The best time to pump an extra bottle is shortly after your baby's first feeding of the day, as most women have plentiful milk in the morning. Even though the actual pumping is initially an uncomfortable experience, know these guidelines: You can store breast milk at room temperature for 4 to 8 hours, for a day in an insulated cooler, for about a week in the fridge (mark the date you pumped on any bottles you store), and up to 3 months in the freezer. I recommend you use glass storage bottles, especially when freezing, because plastic ones may leach the endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A. Also, do not store milk in plastic bottle-insert bags, as they are porous and will increase the chance of your milk going rancid.

This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.